Committee votes against new hospital in south Columbia

JEFFERSON CITY- The State Facilities Review Committee voted on Monday not to approve MU Health Care's proposal for a new hospital in south Columbia.

MU Health Care was partnering with Nueterra Health, a Kansas-based company, and said it had hoped to build the new 10-bed hospital to help the anticipated need for more beds at MU's University Hospital.

Boone County Hospital argued against the new hospital at the hearing. It said a new hospital would drive up healthcare costs and disrupt care in Mid-Missouri.

The committee voted 5 to 2 against MU Health Care's proposal.

"I voted against the proposal because it is totally unnecessary," said Judith O'Connor, member of the review committee. "There are already plenty of other hospitals who offer care in that area."

MU Health Care and Nueterra Health have the option of appealing the decision in court.